Alar base reduction on think Hispanic skin: Can it disrupt your breathing? Is scarring noticeable? What's the cost rage? (photo)

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose.   You may also benefit from an alar base reduction.  Cost varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

If done correctly it will not alter your breathing ability. The thick skin of your nose will make any changes to the underlying skeleton softer. Go on a few consultations to get a better understanding of your options and price quotes.Best

Dear vee2fly,Thank you for your question. alar base reduction can be performed to create the appearance of a more narrow nasal base with limited scarring.  Over reduction can disrupt breathing, so this is an important point.  When performed in isolation my surgeon's fees are 3k for this.  Taken together, I would recommend that you undergo image simulation to see how the alar base reduction relates to your and nasal tip dimension.  Harmony is important in this process.  I hope this helps you find your answer.Be healthy and be well, James M. Ridgway, M.D., FACS

An alarbase reduction cannot change the thickness of the skin. It's also important not to overdo it which could  impede breathing. The goal of and alar base reduction is to narrow wide nostrils. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. For many examples, our current price list and more information, please see the link and the video below

Based upon your photos, you are a good candidate for Rhinoplasty with Nasal Tip Surgery to refine your tip and conservatively reduce the nostril width with Alar Base Reduction, which if done right, will not impede breathing.  Reducing a bulbous tip requires defatting excess fibrofatty tissue, and supporting the tip structures.  I would recommend you consult with at least 2 board certified facial plastic surgeons who are experienced in facial cosmetic surgery, specifically rhinoplasty.  They should be able to present you with numerous before/after photos of their patients and offer references from patients who underwent the procedure.  I would recommend you have digital computer imaging performed during your consultation so that you can see how your nose would appear following surgery.  This also ensures that you and your surgeon are in agreement as to the desired result.  For more info on alar base reduction, see below link.